Steering Gear Replacement (Hydraulic Rack and Pinion)

WARNING: This page does not describe the selected car, but rather 8 other vehicles, including the 2012 GMC Yukon XL, 2012 GMC Yukon, 2012 Chevrolet Tahoe, 2012 Chevrolet Suburban, and 2012 Chevrolet Avalanche. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

Fig 1: Power Steering Gear Components (Rack and Pinion)

Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS COMPANY

Callout	Component Name
CAUTION: With wheels of the vehicle facing straight ahead, secure the steering wheel utilizing steering column anti-rotation pin, steering column lock, or a strap to prevent rotation. Locking of the steering column will prevent damage and a possible malfunction of the SIR system. The steering wheel must be secured in position before disconnecting the following components: The steering column The intermediate shaft(s) The steering gear After disconnecting these components, do not rotate the steering wheel or move the front tires and wheels. Failure to follow this procedure may cause the SIR coil assembly to become un-centered and cause possible damage to the SIR coil. If you think the SIR coil has became un-centered, refer to your specific SIR coil's centering procedure to re-center SIR Coil. Preliminary Procedures With the front wheels of the vehicle in the straight ahead position, use the J-42640 pin in order to lock the steering column. Place drain pans under the vehicle. Remove as much power steering fluid from the power steering fluid reservoir as possible. Remove the front tire and wheel assemblies. Refer to Tire and Wheel Removal and Installation . Remove the oil pan skid plate, if equipped. Refer to Oil Pan Skid Plate Replacement (1500 with RPO NZZ) , Oil Pan Skid Plate Replacement (2500/3500 with RPO NZZ) . Disconnect the steering shaft coupling from the steering gear. Refer to Steering Shaft Coupling Replacement . Special Tools J-42640 Steering Column Anti-Rotation PinFor equivalent regional tools, refer to Special Tools .
1	Steering Linkage Outer Tie Rod Nut (Qty: 2) CAUTION: Refer to Fastener Caution . Tighten 60 N.m (44 lb ft)
2	Steering Linkage Outer Tie Rod (Qty: 2) Procedure Disconnect the steering linkage outer tie rods from the steering knuckles. Refer to Steering Linkage Outer Tie Rod Replacement .
3	Power Steering Gear Inlet Hose Retaining Plate Bolt Tighten 12 N.m (106 lb in)
4	Power Steering Gear Inlet/Outlet Hose (Qty: 2) CAUTION: Refer to Power Steering Hose Disconnected Caution . Procedure Disconnect the power steering gear inlet and outlet hoses from the steering gear. NOTE: Keep the area around the power steering gear inlet and outlet hoses and the steering gear openings clean.
5	Left Side Steering Gear Bolt (Qty: 2) Tighten 220 N.m (162 lb ft)
6	Right Side Steering Gear Bolt (Qty: 2) Tighten 100 N.m (74 lb ft)
7	Steering Gear Procedure Use the J-44586 remover/installer in order to replace the steering gear seals if necessary. Fill and bleed the power steering system. Refer to Power Steering System Bleeding . Clean any excess power steering fluid from the vehicle. Measure and adjust the front toe. Refer to Wheel Alignment - Steering Wheel Angle and/or Front Toe Adjustment . Special Tools J-44586 Power Steering Gear Oil Seal Remover/Installer For equivalent regional tools, refer to Special Tools .